THE MAIN STAGE – DAY 2: 26 FEB 2026
10:15-10:55 Very Impressive Productions: Elevating the VIP fan experience
We identify what’ s driving the huge investment in premium hospitality experiences at venues and events, the best ways to create cost-effective offerings and maximise revenue, and how this development is impacting the supplier ecosystem.
Charlotte Clark, Co-founder- INCA Productions Christopher Barrett, Content Director- Access All Areas Laura Armstrong, Event Director- BST Hyde Park / LS Events Matt Botten, Vice President of Premium Seating & Premium Strategy- AEG International
11:20-12:00 Brave new worlds: Creativity in event production
With some festivals selling out prior to the talent line-up announcement, it’ s clear the wider event experience is key to driving ticket sales and attendee loyalty. Meanwhile, artists are pushing for increasingly complex stage productions, and fans expect next-level presentations. We hear how event operators and producers are successfully captivating the hearts and minds of attendees by bringing highly creativity concepts to life.
Christopher Barrett, Content Director- Access All Areas Luke Mitchell, Co-founder & Creative Director- Boomtown Fair Mandy Johnson, MD- Superstruct UK Ray Winkler, CEO- Stufish Sarah Bullen, General Manager- Goodwood Revival
12:20-13:00 Investing in the future: Innovations in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Exploring innovative DEI initiatives that not only create opportunities for inclusion but a foundation for success in the live events industry.
Andrew Lansley, Commercial services & campaigns consultant- Attitude is Everything Gill Tee, Consultant- Superjam Foundation Max Steventon, Reporter- Access All Areas Melanie Wilds, CEO- Continental Drifts Tyree Sutherland, Event Manager- Kick & Play Events
14:15-14:55 Going mass market: What ' s fuelling the rise of mass participation events?
Mass participation events are experiencing significant growth, with participation levels exceeding pre-pandemic figures. A panel of key event operators discuss what’ s driving the evolution of their events, the key challenges and opportunities that remain.
Alex Townshend, Head of Environmental and Socio-economic Impact- You. Smart. Thing. Charlie Allen, Founder- Friday Night Lights Rupert Bassadone, Founder and MD- Ops People Russ Jefferys, Owner- Move Sports Marketing Sanaa Qureshi, Head of Community Engagement- London Marathon Events
15:20-16:00 Building a better tomorrow: How can we grow the grassroots?
From the LIVE Trust, to the work of the Music Venue Trust and Arts Council England funding, is enough being done to keep the promoter, festival and artist talent pipeline flowing?
Christopher Barrett, Content Director- Access All Areas Jon Collins, Chief Executive- LIVE( Live music Industry Venues and Entertainment) Matthew Phillip, CEO- Notting Hill Carnival Sybil Bell, CEO- Independent Venue Week
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